New Delhi: Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia has been handed a four-year ban by the National Anti-Doping Agency for refusing to provide a urine sample for dope test during the national team trials in March 2024. According to reports, the star Indian wrestler was earlier slapped with a provisional suspension. Also, the world wrestling governing body - UWW had suspended Bajrang. Following a hearing, the ban was confirmed according to Article 10.3.1 of NADA’s Anti-Doping Rules. The rules related to avoiding the dope test on purpose and is considered a violation of the anti-doping code.
He had challenged the provisional suspension imposed and NADA's Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) revoked it on May 31, 2024, pending a formal notice of charge. NADA served a formal notice on June 23 this year. After a series of submissions from Bajarang and hearings held on September 20 and October 4. Eventually, the ADDP slapped the wrestler with a four-year ban starting on April 23.
The suspension also disqualifies the 30-year-old from competing in wrestling tournaments or pursuing any coaching roles.
“Needless to say that on account of the lifting of the provisional suspension for the period from 31.05.2024 to 21.06.2024 shall not be credited into the total period of ineligibility of four years," ADDP clarified.
Bajrang argued in the hearing that his refusal to give the sample was not deliberate but was due to a lack of trust in NADA's processes. The wrestler further claimed that expired kits were used by the sample collector and there have been previous instances in which expired testing kits were allegedly provided. Bajrang also clarified that his objection was to the doping authorities using 'expired kits' not for providing the urine sample. He also added that his involvement in the protests against the former president of WFI Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh played a part in the ban.
“The outright refusal by the athlete to provide a urine sample for the dope test was intentional and deliberate” and demonstrated disregard for anti-doping responsibilities outlined in Articles 20.1 and 20.2 of the 2021 rules, NADA said in their statement.
